System and method for adjusting the trajectory of an arrow

ABSTRACT

A system and method of correcting the trajectory of a hunting arrow is disclosed and described. The arrow can include a compensator coupled to a shaft of the arrow and the compensator has diameter that is larger than a diameter of the shaft of the arrow. A thickness of the compensator, which is measured as the difference in the diameter of the compensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow, is configured to enable a user to aim the arrow with a bow that has been sighted for a standard arrow.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to hunting arrows, and moreparticularly, but not necessarily entirely, to a hunting arrow having atransmitter, located either on or within the arrow to enable a bowhunter to locate the arrow after a missed shot, or the wounded animalafter a successful shot independent of the ultimate location of thearrow itself. This disclosure also relates to devices used to compensatefor the added weight of a tracking device, by manipulating thetrajectory of the arrow.

The bow hunting of big game animals is a popular sport, particularly inthe United States. White-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, antelope and bearare only a few of the species currently being hunted. State-of-the-arthunting arrows are typically made of fiberglass, aluminum, carbonreinforced plastic or composite materials and are provided with aremovable and interchangeable tip, or “broadhead.” The type, size,weight, etc., of a broadhead may be changed depending upon the animalbeing hunted, the weather conditions, the terrain, etc. The arrow itselfvaries in length depending upon the person shooting and the draw lengthof the bow. It ranges from 14″ to 31″, or longer. The length of thearrow varies mainly according to the draw length of the bow (whichdepends on the calibration of the bow and the person shooting it (for acompound bow) or the length of the bow (which varies according to theperson shooting it) (for a longbow or recurve bow). It also depends onthe type of tip being used (often a broadhead in hunting), theexperience of the person shooting, and the bow itself. The arrow alsocan vary in diameter: Many archery target shooting organizations allowarrows up to 10.7 mm in diameter, while some allow only arrows up to 9.3mm in diameter. Most hunting arrows, however, have significantly smallerdiameters, to allow for less wind resistance and to decrease the effecta cross wind might have on a shot. Most standard carbon hunting arrowstoday have a diameter of 6.5 mm, while some are as small as 4 mm indiameter. Such arrows are quite expensive, typically ranging in pricefrom $10.00 to $50.00 apiece.

Two distinct problems are common with bow hunters: (1) locating thearrow resulting from a missed shot and (2) locating the injured animal(if an immediate kill is not made) resulting from a successful shot.Even the best of hunters miss their target about 20-25% of the time andless experienced hunters even more. When shooting from a range of 50-100yards, it is not uncommon to lose the arrows resulting from errantshots. A typical hunter may lose 10-20 arrows per year, resulting insubstantial financial loss and frustration. Even more importantly,however, the loss of game resulting from successful shots issignificant. While it is possible to drop a smaller animal immediatelywith a well-placed shot, larger animals such as deer, elk, bear, etc.,are seldom instantly killed by an arrow. Whether the arrow passescompletely through the animal or remains imbedded therein, the animalmay continue to run from a few hundred yards up to many miles beforeeither dying or resting, often evading the best tracking efforts of thehunter. This results in the loss of many wounded animals, which is agreat disappointment to the hunter, as well as a waste of naturalresources.

Hunting arrows have been developed which contain transmitters, enablingthe bow hunter with a receiving unit to locate either the arrow after anerrant shot, or the quarry after a successful shot, presuming the arrowremains imbedded in the quarry. However, while these arrows haveaddressed the problem of errant shots and successful shots, where thearrow remains imbedded in the quarry, in a significant number of casesof successful shots in relatively smaller animals (such as white-taildeer) the arrow passes completely through the animal, severely injuringbut not necessarily immediately incapacitating it. Moreover, imbeddedarrows are usually broken off against trees, rocks, etc., or even pulledout by the injured animal. In such cases the animal may run asubstantial distance before dying, making it quite difficult to find, ifone of these previously available arrows is utilized.

Hunting arrows have also been developed which contain transmitters whichcan separate from the arrow and attach themselves to the quarry to avoidsome of the problems discussed above. Typically, these transmitters areexpensive, but their cost can be offset by reusing the transmittersmultiple times. However, certain components associated with thesedetachable transmitters are prone to breakage rendering these expensivetransmitters useless and a financial loss.

Another serious problem that must be considered when adding extra weightto an arrow, (such as a transmitter, etc.), is how the extra weightaffects the performance of the arrow. In general, it is desirable to addthe least amount of weight possible to the arrow to maintain theperformance of the arrow but still accommodate a tracking transmitter.Such problem has been unrecognized by the previous tracking devices. Forexample, a heavy arrow will travel slower than a lighter arrow and tendto “drop” more quickly over a given distance as compared to the lighterarrow. Thus, a lightweight transmitter assembly, and lightweightstructures associated with the transmitter, have been considered to behighly desirable to help maintain the performance of the arrow with theconcomitant problems regarding signal strength power, battery life andthe durability of the transmitter.

The previously available devices are thus characterized by severaldisadvantages that are addressed by the disclosure. The disclosureminimizes, and in some aspects eliminates, the above-mentioned failures,and other problems, by utilizing the methods and structural featuresdescribed herein. For example, the detachable transmitter assemblydisclosed herein significantly reduces the loss of wounded animals byallowing the hunter to track and locate the wounded animal. This allowsthe hunter to hunt more efficiently and thereby reduces the waste ofnatural resources.

The features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in thedescription which follows, and in part will be apparent from thedescription, or may be learned by the practice of the disclosure withoutundue experimentation. The features and advantages of the disclosure maybe realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out herein.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise ahunting arrow including an arrow shaft with a preformed chamber insideof the arrow shaft. The chamber has an access window, a compressionfitting surface at one end of the chamber and a chamber angled surfaceat the other end of the chamber. The hunting arrow also includes asignal generating transmitter having a compression fitting at one end ofthe transmitter and an angled surface at the other end of thetransmitter. The transmitter can also have at least one barbed hookattached to the transmitter.

Another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise ahunting arrow including an arrow shaft with a hollow distal end and achamber access window in the shaft. The hunting arrow also has a chamberinsert that is inserted into the hollow end of the shaft. The chamberinsert has an access window, a compression fitting surface at one end ofthe chamber insert, and a chamber insert angled surface at the other endof the chamber insert. The hunting arrow also includes a signalgenerating transmitter having a compression fitting at one end of thetransmitter and an angled surface at the other end of the transmitter.The transmitter also has at least one barbed hook attached to thetransmitter.

A further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure may comprisea hunting arrow including an arrow shaft with a threaded distal end anda chamber access window in the shaft. The illustrative embodiment alsohas a chamber attachment that is inserted into or threaded onto the endof the shaft. The chamber attachment has an access window, a compressionfitting surface at one end of the chamber attachment, and a chamberattachment angled surface at the other end of the chamber attachment.The hunting arrow also includes a signal generating transmitter having acompression fitting at one end of the transmitter and an angled surfaceat the other end of the transmitter. The transmitter also has at leastone barbed hook attached to the transmitter.

In yet a further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod of tracking a target animal is disclosed whereby a hunting arrow(according to any one of the above descriptions) is provided to anoperator who inserts the transmitter into the chamber with sufficientforce to engage the chamber compression fitting surface with thetransmitter compression fitting such that the transmitter is securelyattached within the chamber. The operator then shoots the arrow at atarget animal and tracks the animal using a suitable receiver to receivethe signals generated by the transmitter to locate the animal.

Yet another illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure maycomprise a hunting arrow including an arrow shaft with a threaded distalend and a chamber access window in the shaft. The embodiment also has achamber attachment that is inserted into or threaded onto the end of theshaft. The chamber attachment has an access window leading to a chamber.The hunting arrow also includes a transmitter housing having a signalgenerating transmitter housed therein. The transmitter housing has ananimal engagement member, such as at least one barbed hook, extendingtherefrom. The transmitter housing may be installed into the chamber inthe chamber attachment. A pair of shear pins may secure the transmitterhousing in the chamber.

In a yet further illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod of tracking a target animal is disclosed whereby a hunting arrow(according to any one of the above descriptions) is provided to anoperator who inserts a transmitter housing into a chamber formed in theend of an arrow shaft. The operator may then secure the housing in thechamber using one or more shear pins that are installed in bores in thearrow shaft and the housing. When the arrow penetrates the targetanimal, an animal engagement member, such as a barbed hook, engages thehide of the animal. The engagement of the animal engagement membercauses the transmitter housing to rapidly decelerate. The rapiddeceleration shears the pins securing the housing allowing the housingto be ejected from the chamber as the arrow continues through theanimal. The transmitter housing remains affixed to the animal hide. Thetransmitter in the housing broadcasts its location such that the woundedtarget may be easily found.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent froma consideration of the subsequent detailed description presented inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a plan view, in partial sectional view, of a hunting arrowmade in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a plan view, in partial sectional view, of a hunting arrowmade in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial sectional view of the hunting arrow ofFIG. 1A or 1B made in accordance with the teachings and principles ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a transmitter body made in accordancewith the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the transmitter body of FIG. 3 made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the transmitter body of FIG. 3 made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the transmitter body of FIG. 3 made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a transmitter compression fitting madein accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the transmitter of FIG. 4 and the compressionfitting of FIG. 7 made in accordance with the teachings and principlesof the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the transmitter of FIG. 4 and the compressionfitting of FIG. 7 made in accordance with the teachings and principlesof the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the transmitter of FIG. 9 with a hook made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the transmitter of FIG. 10 made in accordancewith the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the transmitter of FIG. 11 made in accordancewith the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a bottom-side view of the transmitter of FIG. 11 made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a partial sectional view of the arrow of FIG. 1A or 1B withthe transmitter of FIG. 10 inserted within the arrow chamber;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a transmittermade in accordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of another embodiment of an arrow chamberextension made in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of an arrow chamberinsert made in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a transmitter body made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the transmitter body of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of a transmitter body made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a front view of the transmitter body of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a front perspective view of a chamber insert made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the chamber insert of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the chamber insert of FIG. 22;

FIG. 25 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of the chamberinsert of FIG. 22;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional side view of the chamber insert of FIG. 22;

FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of a plunger made in accordance withthe teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the plunger of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the chamber insert of FIG. 22with a plunger inserted therein;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of another chamber insert made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a front perspective view of a transmitter body made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a rear perspective view of the transmitter body of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a front view of the transmitter body of FIG. 31;

FIG. 34 is a front perspective view of a transmitter lid made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of the transmitter lid of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a front perspective view of a transmitter body with the lidremoved made in accordance with the teachings and principles of thedisclosure;

FIG. 37 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of the transmitterbody of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a front perspective view of a chamber insert made inaccordance with the teachings and principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 39 is front perspective cross-sectional view of the chamber insertof FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of an insert assembly pursuant to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of the insert assembly of FIG. 40 showing aninsert and a payload housing;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of an insert pursuant to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a front view of a payload housing pursuant to an embodimentof the present disclosure;

FIG. 44 is an exploded view of a payload housing pursuant to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 45 is a block diagram of a GPS receiver and radio transmittersuitable for use with the present disclosure;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a compensator assembly pursuant to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 47 is an end view of the compensator assembly of FIG. 46;

FIG. 48 is a side view of another compensator assembly pursuant to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 49a is a side view of a bow and a compensator assembly pursuant toan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 49b is cut away view of the a bow and a compensator assembly alongthe A-A plane and B-B plane; and

FIG. 50a is a schematic view of a conventional arrow trajectory withoutusing a compensator assembly.

FIG. 50b is a schematic view of an arrow trajectory using a compensatorassembly pursuant to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with this disclosure, reference will now be made to theembodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Anyalterations and further modifications of the inventive featuresillustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles ofthe disclosure as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to oneskilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure,are to be considered within the scope of the disclosure claimed.

Before the devices, systems, processes and methods will be disclosed anddescribed, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited tothe particular configurations, process steps, and materials disclosedherein as such configurations, process steps, and materials may varysomewhat. It is also to be understood that the terminology employedherein is used for the purpose of describing particular illustrativeembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting since the scope ofthe disclosure will be limited only by the appended claims andequivalents thereof.

In describing and claiming the subject matter of the disclosure, thefollowing terminology will be used in accordance with the definitionsset out below.

It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,”“characterized by,” “having” and grammatical equivalents thereof areinclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps.

As used herein, the term “snap-fit connection” refers to the engagementor assembly of two members through deformation or deflection of at leastone of the members. Once installed, the deformed or deflected member mayreturn to its original shape.

As used herein, the term “proximal” shall refer broadly to the conceptof a nearest portion. For example, the end of the arrow comprisingfletching is the proximal-most portion of the arrow, because it is thenearest portion to the shooter as the arrow is traveling toward atarget.

As used herein, the term “distal” shall generally refer to the oppositeof proximal, and thus to the concept of a further portion, or a furthestportion, depending upon the context.

As used herein, the phrase “in an at least partially proximal-to-distaldirection” shall refer generally to a two-dimensional concept ofdirection in which the “proximal-to-distal” direction defines onedirection or dimension. An item that extends in a non-parallel directionwith respect to the “proximal-to-distal” direction, that is, at anon-straight angle thereto, thereby involves two components ofdirection, one of which is in the “proximal-to-distal” direction and theother being in a direction orthogonal to the “proximal-to-distal”direction.

FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a hunting arrows generally designated 100,having a broadhead 106, shaft 103, nock 101 and fletchings 102. Asillustrated in FIG. 1A, the broadhead 106 can be removably affixed toshaft 103 to permit the interchange of various broadheads depending uponthe particular conditions. For instance, the broadhead 106 as shown inFIG. 1A may be affixed as by screwing the broadhead 106 with threadedmale member 107 into threaded female plug 104 affixed in theforward-most end of shaft 103. Alternatively, the broadhead 106 as shownin FIG. 1B may be affixed as by screwing the broadhead 106 withinternally female threaded plug 107 onto threaded male member 111protruding from the forward-most end of shaft 103. In one embodiment ofthe disclosure, the shaft 103 of arrow 100 is hollow and comprises achamber 105 that is accessible via a chamber access window 108 andconfigured to receive a suitable transmitter housing (not explicitlyshown in FIG. 1A or 1B). The window 108 may be cut into the shaft 103.The chamber 105 and chamber window 108 may also simply be milled orformed into the arrow 100 during production.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged partial sectional view of the hunting arrow 100revealing greater detail of an embodiment of the inside of chamber 200which is configured to receive a suitable transmitter housing (notexplicitly shown in the figure). The distal end of chamber 200 comprisesa ramp 220 which underlies a rearward portion of the access window 230.The ramp 220 is secured within the arrow 100, as with adhesive, byfriction or other means well-known to those skilled in the art. The ramp220 can also be molded or integrally formed within the arrow 100 duringproduction. The ramp surface 240 of the ramp 220 can assume a flat,concave or convex shape. Preferably, the ramp surface 240 is concave,rounded, and adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped convextransmitter housing (not explicitly shown in the figure) to help retainand guide the transmitter housing during ejection of the transmitterhousing from the chamber 200. The forward portion of chamber 200 canhave one or more projections or lips 210 to help retain a suitabletransmitter housing within chamber 200 while the arrow 100 is in flight.It will be appreciated that the lips 210 are an engagement member. Thelips 210 can also have ramping surfaces 250 on one or both sides of thelips 210 to help facilitate transmitter housing insertion and removal.Ramping surfaces 250 can be flat, concave or convex and can be securedwithin the arrow, as with adhesive, by friction or other meanswell-known to those skilled in the art. Ramping surfaces 250 can also bemolded or integrally formed within the chamber 200 during production ofthe arrow 100.

FIGS. 3-6 show various views of an illustrative embodiment of atransmitter housing 300 for use with the arrow 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2.FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of transmitter housing 300 andFIGS. 4, 5 and 6 each show a left side view, front view and rear view oftransmitter housing 300, respectively.

With reference to FIG. 3, in an illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the transmitter housing 300 is adapted to contain a radiotransmitter (not explicitly shown in the figure) within the housing. Theradio transmitter may be utilized to transmit radio frequency signalsthat may be utilized to determine the location of the transmitterhousing 300. In an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure,the transmitter housing 300 may include a battery (not explicitly shownin the figure) for powering the radio transmitter in the housing 300. Inan illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmitterhousing 300 may further comprise a GPS receiver that may be utilized toreceive location information that may be transmitted by a transmitter inthe housing 300. For purposes of this disclosure, the transmitterhousing 300 may also be referred to as “transmitter assembly” or simply“transmitter.” The transmitter housing 300 may be made from a relativelystrong, lightweight material, such as plastic, resin, compositematerials or the like. Transmitter housing 300 has top surface 310,transmitter ramp surface 360 and top-forward surface 320, as seen inFIG. 3. Additionally, the transmitter housing 300 can have front borehole 330 and side bore holes 340 and 350 for receiving additional parts,as will be discussed in further detail below.

FIG. 4 shows a left side view of transmitter 300, including: leftsurface 400, rear surface 440, transmitter ramp surface 360 and bottomsurface 420. Transmitter ramp surface 360 may be shaped to complementthe ramp surface 240 of chamber 200 (see FIG. 2). For example, if thechamber ramp surface 240 is rounded and concave, then it is preferablethat the transmitter ramp surface 360 be rounded and convex to conformto the shape of the chamber ramp surface 240. Likewise, if the bottom ofchamber 200 is rounded and concave, then it is preferable that thebottom surface 420 of transmitter housing 300 be rounded and convex toconform to the shape of the bottom of the chamber 200. With reference toFIG. 5, showing a front view of the transmitter housing 300 of FIG. 3,it can be seen that bore holes 340 extend all of the way throughtransmitter body 300 to secure parts to transmitter body 300, as will bediscussed in further detail below. FIG. 6 shows a rear view of thetransmitter body of FIG. 3, illustrating the transmitter ramp surface360 and the rear surface 440.

FIG. 7 illustrates one illustrative embodiment of a compression fitting700 for use with the transmitter housing 300 and chamber 200 (see FIG.2) disclosed herein. The compression fitting 700 is preferably made froma strong, lightweight, semi-pliable, deformable or bendable material,such as plastic, metal, composite materials, etc. It will be appreciatedthat the compression fitting 700 is an engagement member. Thecompression fitting 700 comprises a tail portion 760 and head portion750. The tail portion 760 can have a bore hole 780 for attaching thecompression fitting 700 to the transmitter housing 300, as will bediscussed in greater detail below. The head portion 750 furthercomprises a resected portion 770 and attachment surfaces, including: topsurfaces 710, ramping surfaces 720 and 740 and side surfaces 730. Aswill be seen, these attachment surfaces can interact with correspondingsurfaces within chamber 200 (see FIG. 2) to secure the transmitterwithin the chamber 200.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate the assembly of the transmitter housing 300 ofFIG. 3 with the compression fitting 700 of FIG. 7. Specifically, FIG. 8shows the compression fitting 700 ready for insertion into the frontbore hole 330 of the transmitter housing 300. Note that the side borehole 340 of the transmitter housing 300 and the compression fitting borehole 780 are aligned upon insertion.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the transmitter housing 300 withcompression fitting 700 inserted into the front bore hole 330 oftransmitter housing 300. A pin 910 is then inserted into bore hole 340and through the compression fitting bore hole 780 to secure thecompression fitting 700 to transmitter housing 300. In an illustrativeembodiment of the present disclosure, compression fitting 700 may beaffixed to the transmitter housing 300 via threading or some othersuitable method known by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the transmitter housing 300 and compressionfitting 700 of FIG. 9. Additionally, one or more barbed hooks 1020 canbe affixed to the transmitter housing 300 via insertion of the stem 1000of the one or more barbed hooks 1020 into bore hole 1010 of transmitterhousing 300. The number of hooks 1020 can be chosen depending on thestrength of the hook and the amount of force the hook is expected toexperience. The one or more barbed hooks 1020 can be secured within thebore hole 1010 of transmitter housing 300, with adhesive, by friction,via screw threading, via retaining pins, or by other means well-known tothose skilled in the art. The one or more barbed hooks 1020 can also bemolded or integrally formed within the transmitter body 300 duringproduction. Additionally, the bore hole 350 can also be used to affix awire, thread or other suitable material (not shown) to the transmitterbody 300 to facilitate extraction of the transmitter housing 300 fromthe target animal.

FIGS. 11-13 show various views of an illustrative embodiment of acompleted transmitter housing assembly, including attached compressionfitting 700 and dual barbed hooks 1110.

FIG. 14 illustrates the completed transmitter housing 300 of FIG. 10inserted into the chamber 200 as represented in FIG. 2. Arrow chamber200 is provided with one or more retaining lips 210 to matingly engagethe compression fitting 700 and secure the transmitter housing 300 inplace. The operator accomplishes this by inserting the transmitter 300into chamber 200 and pushing the transmitter compression fitting 700forward against lips 210 with enough force to compress the two halves ofthe compression fitting 700 together (thereby reducing the diameter ofthe head 750 of the compression fitting 700) and allowing the head 750of the compression fitting 700 to pass to the other side of lips 210.Once on the other side of the lips 210, the two halves of the head 750of the compression fitting 700 are free to expand again, therebysecuring the transmitter within the chamber 200. In an illustrativeembodiment, the forces between the compression fitting 700 and lips 210are sufficient enough to maintain the transmitter housing 300 affixed tothe arrow 100 in view of the forces applied to the transmitter housing300 when the arrow is shot, but not sufficient enough to withstand theimpact of the transmitter housing 300 against the hide of the targetanimal. The lip 210 and compression fitting 700 size, design andlightweight material are all preferably chosen to reduce weight andretain arrow performance.

In operation, as the arrow 100 penetrates the target animal, an entrywound in the animal is produced by the broadhead 106. As the arrow 100penetrates farther into the animal, the one or more barbed hooks 1020(see FIG. 10) embeds in the animal hide or skin. Engagement of thebarbed hook 1020 causes transmitter housing 300 to slow down and stopwhen the arrow 100 continues through the animal With sufficient force,the compression fitting 700 will pop out of lips 210 (see FIG. 14) andthe transmitter housing 300 will slide up the ramp surface 240, in thedirection of arrow 1440, exiting chamber 200 and embedding itself on theoutside of the hide of the target animal. In this manner, thetransmitter in the transmitter housing 300 can then be used to track thewounded animal, which can travel for many miles before dying or resting.The hunter may utilize a handheld radio receiver to track the woundedanimal. This allows the hunter to hunt more efficiently by focusinghis/her time and energy on finding the wounded animal instead ofsearching for other target animals to hunt, possibly resulting in theloss of multiple wounded animals and wasting precious natural resources.

FIG. 15 illustrates an illustrative embodiment of a transmitter housingassembly 1500 in accordance with the present disclosure. Transmitterhousing assembly 1500 includes two subassemblies: transmittersubassembly 1570 and attachment subassembly 1580. Transmittersubassembly 1570 can have an accessible battery housing 1560, projection1550 and bore holes 1510, as well as an on/off switch (not explicitlyshown) to conserve battery power. Attachment assembly 1580 can have areceiver portion 1540 to receive projection 1550 as well as bore holes1510. Moreover, attachment assembly 1580 can also comprise at least onebarbed hook 1520 and a compression fitting 1530. In one preferredembodiment, attachment assembly 1580 comprises two barbed hooks (one ofwhich is shown at 1520) with the barbed ends of each hook protrudingtoward the distal end of attachment assembly 1580 (above compressionfitting 1530) with each barbed hook also extending toward either side ofattachment assembly 1580. In this embodiment, each bared and barbed hookis also preferably oriented and shaped so as to not substantially extendabove the top surface 1590 of the attachment assembly 1580, if at all.That is to say, each barbed hook can also be oriented and shaped suchthat each barbed hook extends to either side of attachment assembly 1580and below the top surface 1590 of the attachment assembly 1580.Orienting the barbed hooks in this manner (i.e., keeping the hooks low,and closer to the attachment assembly 1580), helps keep the mass of thebarbed hooks closer to the axial center of mass of the arrow which helpsmaintain the accuracy of the arrow during flight. Transmittersubassembly 1570 and attachment subassembly 1580 can be affixed to eachother by inserting projection 1550 into receiver portion 1540 and theninserting retaining pins (not explicitly shown) into bore holes 1510.This embodiment allows for removal of the more expensive transmittersubassembly 1570 from the less expensive (and more prone to breakage)attachment assembly 1580, thereby allowing reuse of transmitter assembly1570.

In an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmittersubassembly 1570 and attachment subassembly 1580 can be affixed to eachother via any number of suitable means, including but not limited to:threading, reversible glue/adhesive, compression fitting, etc. Althoughnot explicitly shown in FIG. 15, the proximal end of transmittersubassembly 1570 can assume a ramp shape, or any other shape describedherein. Furthermore, in one preferred embodiment, the battery housing isconfigured to hold the batteries below the transmitter, given thatbatteries are typically heavier than the electronic componentscomprising the transmitter. This helps the center of mass of thetransmitter assembly 1500 to line up with the axial center of mass ofthe arrow to maintain the accuracy of the arrow during flight.

FIG. 16 illustrates an illustrative embodiment of the present inventionwherein a chamber extension 1600 may advantageously be interposed as anextension between a broadhead and an arrow shaft (not shown in thefigure). In such embodiment, a consumer need not purchase an entirearrow but rather only the chamber extension 1600 and transmitter, whichmay be installed onto an end of a conventional arrow. The proximal endof the chamber extension 1660 may be sized and notched 1650 so as to beinserted into the distal end of an arrow shaft, up to the largerdiameter portion 1640 of the chamber extension 1600 and retained thereinby frictional forces. Alternatively, the proximal end of the chamberextension 1660 may be threaded and attached to the distal end of thearrow shaft which is also threaded to receive the chamber extension1600. In this embodiment the chamber extension 1600 may comprise aninternally threaded female portion within the proximal end of thechamber extension 1660 that is configured to receive an externallythreaded male portion projecting from the arrow. Alternatively, thechamber extension 1600 may comprise an externally threaded male portionprotruding from the proximal end of the chamber extension 1660 which isconfigured to receive an internally threaded female portion within thearrow. A broadhead (not explicitly shown) can also be affixed to thechamber extension 1600 by means of a threaded aperture 1630 as shown inFIG. 16. Alternatively, the broadhead (not shown) can also be affixed tothe chamber extension 1600 by means of an internally threaded femaleportion within the broadhead that is configured to receive an externallythreaded male portion projecting from the distal end of the chamberextension 1600 (not explicitly shown).

FIG. 17 illustrates yet a further illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention wherein chamber insert 1700 may advantageously be insertedinto the distal end of a hollow arrow shaft (not shown) having a chamberaccess window similar to that discussed previously. In such embodiment,a consumer need not purchase an entire arrow but rather only the chamberinsert 1700 and transmitter. The proximal end of the chamber insert 1760may be sized and notched 1750 so as to be inserted into the distal endof an arrow shaft and retained therein by frictional forces.Alternatively, the proximal end of the chamber extension 1760 may bethreaded, glued, or otherwise affixed within the distal end of a hollowarrow shaft according to any number of ways known by those skilled inthe art. In one embodiment the proximal end of the chamber extension1760 may comprise an internally threaded female portion within proximalend of the chamber extension 1760 which is configured to receive anexternally threaded male portion projecting from the arrow.Alternatively, the proximal end of the chamber extension 1760 maycomprise an externally threaded male portion protruding from theproximal end of the chamber extension 1760 that is configured to receivean internally threaded female portion within the arrow.

Although certain illustrative embodiments involving detachable chamberportions have been described above in great detail, it is to beunderstood that entire arrows comprising integrally formed chamberstherein can also be used without parting from the spirit or scope of theclaimed invention.

FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate different views of another illustrativeembodiment of a transmitter housing or body 1800 in accordance with thepresent invention wherein the upper portion of the transmitter body 1810is wider than the lower portion of the transmitter body 1820. The widerupper portion of transmitter body 1810 gives transmitter body 1800 morevolume and internal space to include larger electronic components (e.g.transmitters, receivers, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers,batteries, etc.) to increase the power and/or usefulness of thetransmitter. In one illustrative embodiment, the transmitter body 1800comprises a GPS receiver and a transmitter (not explicitly shown)wherein the GPS receiver receives the GPS location of the transmitterbody 1800 (typically within an animal carcase) and then the transmitterconveys the GPS location of the animal to a receiver used by the hunter(not explicitly shown) to locate the animal Similar to previouslydescribed transmitter body embodiments, the transmitter body 1800 canalso comprise at least one barbed hook (not explicitly shown) and acompression fitting 1830. In one preferred embodiment, the transmitterbody 1800 comprises two barbed hooks (not explicitly shown) with thebarbed ends of each hook protruding toward the distal end of thetransmitter body 1800 (toward the compression fitting 1830) withportions of each barbed hook also extending toward either side of thetransmitter body 1800.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 18, each bared and barbed hook isalso preferably oriented and shaped so as to not substantially extendabove the top surface 1840 of the upper portion of the transmitter body1810, if at all. That is to say, each barbed hook can also be orientedand shaped such that each barbed hook extends below the top surface 1840of the upper portion of the transmitter body 1810. Orienting the barbedhooks in this manner (i.e., keeping the hooks low, and closer to thelower portion of the transmitter body 1820), helps keep the mass of thebarbed hooks closer to the axial center of mass of the arrow which helpsmaintain the accuracy of the arrow during flight.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the proximal end of the transmitterbody 1800 of FIG. 18 illustrating a recessed depression or dimple, or insome embodiments a protrusion, 1910 formed in the transmitter body rampsurface 1920. The depression 1910 can be preformed in the transmitterbody ramp surface 1920 during the molding or forming process at the timeof manufacture, or alternatively, the depression 1910 can also be formedafter the molding process using any well known process for forming adepression known by those skilled in the art. The function of the dimple1910 will be discussed in more detail below.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show another illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure similar to that shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. Referring to FIG.20, the upper portion 2020 of the transmitter body 2000 includes lateralstabilizers 2010 on each side of the upper portion 2020 of thetransmitter body, toward the distal end of the transmitter body 2000(the left stabilizer not being explicitly shown). FIG. 21 illustrates afront view of the transmitter body 2000 of FIG. 20 showing both the leftand right lateral stabilizers 2110. The function of the lateralstabilizers 2110 will become more apparent from the disclosure relatingto FIGS. 22-24, discussed below.

The transmitter housing or bodies shown in FIGS. 18-21 may be used inconjunction with chamber inserts shown in FIGS. 22-30. FIG. 22illustrates a front perspective view of one chamber insert embodiment2200 having horizontal stabilizer members 2220 located on either side ofthe chamber opening 2030 and protruding laterally away from the chamberopening 2030. The horizontal stabilizer members 2220 are configured toreceive and abut the lower surface of the upper portion of thetransmitter body 1930 (see FIG. 19) to help stabilize the transmitterwithin the chamber during flight. FIG. 23 shows a top view of thechamber insert of FIG. 22, looking down into the chamber. The chamberramp 2320 has a plunger bore hole 2310 configured to receive a suitableplunger (discussed below) to help stabilize the transmitter within thechamber during flight. FIG. 24 is a side view of the chamber insert ofFIG. 22 and FIG. 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the chamberinsert of FIG. 22 showing the inside of the plunger bore hole 2510 (seeFIG. 25). FIG. 26 is a side cross-section view of the chamber insert ofFIG. 22, also showing the inside of the plunger bore hole 2610.

FIGS. 27 and 28 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, ofan exemplary plunger 2730 which can be inserted into the plunger borehole of FIGS. 25 and 26 to help stabilize the transmitter within thechamber during flight. In will be appreciated that the plunger 2730 isan engagement member. The proximal end of the plunger 2730 can have aplunger retaining member 2710, 2810 (both references affixed todifferent views of the same structure) and the distal end of the plunger2740 can have a plunger tip 2720, 2820 (both references affixed todifferent views of the same structure) that is preferably shaped andconfigured to engage the depression of a suitable transmitter (see FIG.19) that is inserted into the chamber. In one illustrative embodiment,the plunger tip 2720, 2820 is rounded and smooth forming a substantiallyhemispherical shape configured to be received within a similarly shapeddepression formed in the transmitter (see FIG. 19) to help retain thetransmitter within the chamber.

Referring now to FIG. 29, the plunger 2920 of FIGS. 27 and 28 isinserted into the plunger bore hole of the chamber insert of FIGS.22-26. The plunger 2920 can be retained within the plunger bore hole bya resilient member 2910 and an adjustment member (not explicitly shown)located proximal to the resilient member 2910. In one embodiment, theresilient member 2910 is a spring which imparts a force on the plunger2920, (in the direction of arrow A), causing the plunger tip 2930 toprotrude into the chamber opening 2940. The force that the resilientmember 2910 imparts on the plunger 2920 can be adjusted by choosingdifferent springs with different spring constants K. Alternatively, orin addition thereto, the force that the resilient member 2910 imparts onthe plunger 2920 can also be varied by an adjustment member (notexplicitly shown). It will be appreciated that, for purposes of thisdisclosure, that the plunger 2920 is deformable by virtue of theresilient member 2910 and may form part of a snap-fit connection. Thus,it will be appreciated that the plunger 2920 is an engagement member.

Still referring to FIG. 29, for example, in one illustrative embodiment,the adjustment member has a threaded shaft configured to be received bythe threaded portion 2950 of the proximal end of the chamber insert2960. The adjustment member can also have an engagement surface (notexplicitly shown) on the proximal end of the adjustment member that isconfigured to receive an adjustment tool (not explicitly shown) to allowa user to tighten or loosen the adjustment member and thereby increaseor decrease the force that the resilient member 2910 imparts on theplunger 2920. In one illustrative embodiment, the engagement surface onthe proximal end of the adjustment member is configured to receive a hexwrench adjustment tool. In other illustrative embodiments, theengagement surface on the proximal end of the adjustment member isconfigured to receive a screwdriver adjustment tool. In still otherembodiments, the engagement surface on the proximal end of theadjustment member can be configured in any of a number of differentshapes according to the particular shape of the adjustment tool beingused, as is well known in the art.

In practice, a user can insert a transmitter, such as that shown inFIGS. 19-21, by inserting the proximal portion of the transmitter intothe proximal end of chamber opening 2940, inserting the plunger tip 2930into the depression 1910 of the transmitter (see FIG. 19), and thenimparting enough force to push the plunger back into the plunger borehole so as to allow for complete insertion of the transmitter into thechamber. Once the transmitter is completely inserted into the chamber,the resilient member imparts a continuous force on the plunger tothereby substantially secure the transmitter within the chamber. In thisembodiment, the force on the plunger is preferably chosen (by adjustingthe spring constant K and/or tension placed on the spring via theadjustment member, as described above) to be sufficient enough to retainthe transmitter within the chamber given the forces applied to thetransmitter when the arrow is shot and is traveling to the target, butnot sufficient enough to withstand the impact of the transmitter againstthe hide of the target animal. The size, design and material of theadjustment member (not explicitly shown), resilient member 2910 andplunger 2920 are all preferably chosen to reduce weight so as to retainthe arrow's performance during flight.

In operation, as the arrow penetrates the target animal, an entry woundin the animal is produced. As the arrow moves further into the animal,the one or more barbed hooks embeds in the animal hide or skin.Engagement of the one or more barbed hooks causes the travel of thetransmitter assembly to slow down or stop as the arrow continues intothe animal With sufficient force, the transmitter will push the plunger2930 back into the plunger bore hole and the transmitter will slide upramp 2970, exit the chamber 2940, and embed itself in the hide of thetarget animal. In this manner, the transmitter can then be used to trackthe wounded animal, which can travel for many miles before dying orresting. This allows the hunter to hunt more efficiently by focusinghis/her time and energy on finding the wounded animal instead ofsearching for other target animals to hunt, possibly resulting in theloss of multiple wounded animals and wasting precious wildliferesources.

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional side view of another chamber insertembodiment 3000, wherein the plunger tip 3010 is an integrally formedpart of the ramping surface 3020. In this illustrative embodiment, theplunger tip 3010 is not adjustable, but rather it is sized and shaped toimpart enough force to the transmitter to releasably secure thetransmitter within the chamber. In this embodiment, the size and shapeof the plunger tip 3010 is preferably chosen to be sufficient enough toretain the transmitter within the chamber given the forces that will beimparted to the transmitter when the arrow is shot, but not sufficientenough to withstand the impact of the transmitter against the hide ofthe target animal. For example, the size and shape of the plunger tip3010 may be different depending on the strength of the bow that will beused. For instance a bow with a 90 pound draw weight may require theplunger tip 3010 to be sized and shaped so as to impart more force onthe transmitter as compared to a bow with a 50 pound draw weight.Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the depression formed in thetransmitter body ramp surface 1920 (see FIG. 19) can also be sized andshaped differently to impart enough force to the transmitter tosubstantially secure the transmitter within the chamber depending on theforeseeable forces that the transmitter is expected to experience.

Although the above transmitter bodies and chamber inserts have beendescribed with the transmitter body having the depression and thechamber body having the protrusion, (i.e., the plunger tip), it is to beunderstood that in other embodiments the transmitter body canincorporate a protrusion and/or plunger system and the chamber insertcan have a matching depression formed in the ramping surface withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 31-33, an illustrative embodiment of atransmitter housing 3100 is disclosed. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the transmitter housing 3100 is adapted to contain a radiotransmitter (not explicitly shown in the figures) within the housing3100. The radio transmitter may be utilized to transmit radio frequencysignals that may be utilized to determine the location of thetransmitter housing 3100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure,the transmitter housing 3100 may include a battery for powering theradio transmitter in the housing 3100. In an illustrative embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the transmitter housing 3100 may furthercomprise a GPS receiver that may be utilized to receive locationinformation that may be transmitted by a transmitter in the housing 3100to a user.

Still referring to FIGS. 31-33, the transmitter housing 3100 may includea body 3102 having a upper portion 3104 and a lower portion 3106. Acompression fitting 3108 may be installed into a bore 3109 in a distalend 3111 of the body 3102. It will be appreciated that the compressionfitting 3108 is an engagement member. The lower portion 3106 may beadapted to be received within a chamber of an arrow shaft. The lowerportion 3106 may include a bottom 3112 and a ramp 3114 on a proximal end3116. The lower portion 3106 may include side portions 3120 extendingfrom the distal end 3111 to the proximal end 3116. Extending from theside portions 3120 may be one or more protruding retaining members 3110.It will be appreciated that the retaining member 3110 are an engagementmember. In an embodiment, the retaining members 3110 may have asubstantially semi-spherical shape. In an illustrative embodiment, theretaining members 3110 may assume a multitude of different shapesdepending on the desired retaining strength needed for a giventransmitter housing 3100. The structure and function of the one or moreretaining members 3110 will be discussed in greater detail below inconjunction with certain chamber insert embodiments. The transmitterhousing 3100 may include one or more animal engagement members 3125 forengaging a hide of a target animal. In an illustrative embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the animal engagement members 3125 may comprisebarbed hooks. The upper portion 3104 of the body 3102 may be too largeto fit within a chamber of an arrow.

The transmitter housing 3100 may have a removable cover 3400 (FIGS. 34and 35) to allow a user to gain access to the battery or batteriesand/or electronic components housed within the transmitter housing 3100.For example, FIGS. 34 and 35 show top and bottom perspective views of anembodiment of a removable transmitter cover 3400 that can be used inconjunction with the transmitter shown in FIGS. 31-33.

FIG. 36 depicts the transmitter housing 3100 of FIGS. 31-33 with thetransmitter lid removed exposing the internal portion of the transmitterhousing 3100 and revealing internal member 3610. Internal member 3610can comprise one or more components, including, but not limited to, oneor more Global Position System (GPS) receivers, one or more batteries,one or more analog transmitters, one or digital transmitters, electroniccircuitry, one or more antennas, etc. However, it is to be understoodthat any transmitter body disclosed herein can house one or morecomponents, including but not limited to, one or more Global PositionSystem receivers, one or more batteries, one or more analogtransmitters, one or more digital transmitters, pertinent electroniccircuitry, one or more antennas, etc. There can be many internalcomponents housed within internal member 3610 and/or there can also beother internal components (not explicitly shown) housed within thetransmitter 3100.

FIG. 37 is a perspective cross-sectional side view of the transmitterhousing 3100 of FIG. 36 showing how the internal space within thetransmitter housing 3100 can be arranged into different compartments ofvarious sizes and shapes. The particular size and shapes of the internalcompartments within the transmitter body 3100 can vary depending on thesize and shapes of the internal components to be housed therein. Asmentioned previously, it is desirable to arrange the heaviest internalcomponents (e.g., batteries) such that they are aligned with the axialcenter of mass of the arrow to maintain desirable flightcharacteristics. However, it is also to be understood that thisarrangement is not required by the present disclosure such that in someembodiments the heavier components may not be optimally aligned with thecenter of mass of the arrow.

FIGS. 38 and 39 illustrate an illustrative embodiment of an insert or anarrow shaft extension 3800 that may be used in conjunction with thetransmitter housing 3100 of FIGS. 31-37. The insert 3800 may include ashaft portion 3804 on its proximal end 3806. The shaft portion 3804 maybe received into a distal end of a hollow shaft of a hunting arrow (notshown). The shaft portion 3804 may be secured by adhesive or threads. Itwill be appreciated that the insert 3800 may form part of, or anextension of, the arrow shaft. A distal end 3808 of the insert 3800 mayinclude a female threaded bore 3812 for receiving a male threaded end ofan arrow tip, such as a broadhead. The insert 3800 may include a chamber3820 for receiving the transmitter housing 3100. A window 3821 mayprovide access to the chamber 3820. A planar deck 3823 may surround someor all of the window 3821.

The chamber 3820 may include a pair of opposing sidewalls 3822. Thesidewalls 3822 may have one or more retaining dimples, recesses ordepressions 3810 that are configured to line up with and receive theretaining members 3110 (see FIGS. 31-33 showing the protrusions) alongthe side surfaces 3120 of the transmitter housing 3100. It will beappreciated that the retaining dimples 3810 function as one example ofan engagement member. In an illustrative embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the retaining dimples 3810 form depressions in the internalsides 3822 of the chamber 3820 and have a substantially partiallyspherical shape that corresponds to the substantially partiallyspherical shaped retaining members 3110 of the transmitter housing 3100in FIGS. 31-33.

Still referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, a proximal end 3824 of the chamber3820 may include a ramp 3826 having a functionality as previouslydescribed. As best seen in FIG. 39, a distal end 3828 of the chamber3820 may include a lip 3830 for receiving the compression fitting 3108(see FIG. 31) on the transmitter housing 3100. The lip 3830 is anengaging surface and may be deformable. It will be appreciated that thechamber 3820 is sized and dimensioned to receive the lower portion 3106of the transmitter housing 3100.

Referring to FIGS. 31-33, 38 and 39, in operation a user inserts thelower portion 3106 of the transmitter housing 3100 into the chamber 3820with sufficient force to “snap” the transmitter body 3102 securely inthe chamber 3820 by forcing the retaining members 3110 inside of theretaining dimples 3810. The insert 3800 and/or the transmitter housing3100 may be made from a semi-rigid, deformable or flexible material(e.g., plastic) to facilitate the insertion of the transmitter housing3100 into the chamber 3820 by a “snap-fit.” Once the lower portion 3106of the transmitter housing 3100 is completely inserted into the chamber3820, the flexible chamber insert 3800 (and/or transmitter housing 3100)returns to its normal position and substantially retains the transmitterhousing 3100 within the chamber 3820. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the size, shape and number of retaining members 3110 (andcorresponding retaining dimples 3810), as well as the flexibility andsurface characteristics of the materials comprising the chamber 3820insert and/or the transmitter housing 3100 can be chosen to achieve adesired retaining strength for a particular transmitter. That is to say,all of these factors can be chosen such that the force necessary toremove the transmitter housing 3100 from the chamber 3820 is sufficientenough to retain the transmitter in view of the forces that will beapplied to the transmitter when the arrow is shot, but not sufficientenough to withstand the impact of the transmitter against the hide ofthe target animal. For example, an illustrative embodiment of achamber/transmitter body system can have two sets of retaining membersand corresponding retaining dimples (one on each side of thechamber/transmitter body system) which may be suitable for a hunterusing a bow with a 40 pound draw weight. Another illustrative embodimentof a chamber/transmitter body system can have three sets of retainingmembers and corresponding retaining dimples (one on each side of thechamber/transmitter body system) which may be suitable for a hunterusing a seventy pound bow. Yet another illustrative embodiment of achamber/transmitter body system can have five sets of retaining membersand corresponding retaining dimples (one on each side of thechamber/transmitter body system) which may be suitable for a hunterusing a bow with a 90 pound draw weight.

In practice, as an arrow penetrates the target animal, an entry wound inthe animal is produced. As the arrow moves further into the animal, theone or more barbed hooks (not explicitly shown in all of the figures)embeds in the animal hide or skin. Engagement of the one or more barbedhooks causes the transmitter housing to slow down or stop as the arrowcontinues through the animal. It will be appreciated that structureswhich perform similarly as barbed hooks can also be used in accordancewith the present disclosure. With sufficient force, the chamber and/ortransmitter material will flex enough to “pop” the retaining members outof the retaining dimples, allowing the transmitter body to slide up thechamber ramp, exit the chamber and embed itself in the hide of thetarget animal. The transmitter itself may remain on the outside of theanimal. In this manner, the transmitter can then be used to track thewounded animal, which can travel for many miles before dying or resting.This allows the hunter to hunt more efficiently by focusing his/her timeand energy on finding the wounded animal instead of searching for othertarget animals to hunt, possibly resulting in the loss of multiplewounded animals and wasting precious wildlife resources.

It is to be understood, that any number of retaining members andcorresponding retaining dimples (in sets or otherwise) can be usedwithout departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Itis also to be understood that the retaining members and retainingdimples of this embodiment can also be used with other featuresdisclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment the chamber/transmitterbody system can comprise retaining members and retaining dimples as wellas the plunger system and the compression fitting systems disclosedherein. Furthermore, although certain illustrative embodiments involvingdetachable chamber portions and chamber inserts have been describedabove in great detail, it is to be understood that entire arrowscomprising integrally formed chambers therein can also be used withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of this invention.

In yet a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a transmitter(not shown in all of the figures) can be secured to an arrow shaft by antearable strip, such as an adhesive strip, having sufficient bonding orshear strength to maintain the transmitter affixed to the arrow in viewof the forces applied to the transmitter when the arrow is shot, but notsufficient enough to withstand the impact of the transmitter against thehide of the target animal. In one embodiment the strip used to securethe transmitter comprises polyolefin adhesive tape having the desirablebonding and shear strength.

Referring now to FIGS. 40 and 41, there is shown an insert assembly 4000pursuant to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 4000may comprise and extend along a longitudinal axis 4005. The assembly4000 may comprise an insert 4002 and a payload housing 4004. It will beappreciated that the insert 4002 may form an extension of an arrowshaft. Thus, the insert 4002 may be referred to as an “arrow shaft.”

The insert 4002 may comprise a main body portion 4006. A shaft 4008 mayextend rearwardly from the main body portion 4006. The shaft 4008 may beconfigured and dimensioned for joining to a shaft of an arrow. In anillustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft 4008 maythreadably engage the shaft of an arrow. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the shaft 4008 may be secured to the shaft of an arrow usingan adhesive.

Extending from a forward portion of the main body portion 4006 may be atapered portion 4010. A bore 4012 may be formed in the tapered portion4010. The bore 4012 may be configured and adapted for receiving a shaftof a broadhead (not shown). In an embodiment of the present disclosure,the bore 4012 may extend along the axis 4005. In an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the bore 4012 may secure a broadhead mechanically,for example, as shown in FIG. 42, the bore 4012 may comprise afemale-threaded portion 4013 for engaging a male-threaded end of abroadhead (not shown). In an illustrative embodiment, a shaft of abroadhead may be secured in the bore using an adhesive.

As best seen in FIG. 41, the main body portion 4006 of the insert 4002may comprise a chamber 4014 for receiving the payload housing 4004. Thechamber 4014 may comprise a pair of sidewalls 4016 and 4018 that extendparallel to the longitudinal axis 4005. The sidewalls 4016 and 4018 mayextend from a front wall 4020 to a rear wall 4022. An upper portion 4028of the sidewalls 4016 and 4018, the front wall 4020 and the rear wall4022 may define a chamber access window 4030 for the chamber 4014.

Still referring to FIG. 41, the payload housing 4004 may be made from arelatively strong, lightweight material, such as plastic, resin,composite materials or the like. The housing 4004 may comprise an upperportion 4050 and a lower portion 4052. An animal engagement member 4007may extend from the housing 4004. The animal engagement member 4007 maysecure to the housing 4004 to an animal. The animal engagement member4007 may comprise at least one hook, a pair of hooks or a similarlyfunctioning structure. The lower portion 4052 may be shaped tocorrespond to the shape of the chamber 4014 such that the lower portion4052 may be installed into the chamber 4014. As shown in FIG. 43, theupper portion 4050 may comprise an extended portion 4054 that may abutagainst the upper portion 4028 of the sidewalls 4016 and 4018 when thehousing 4004 is installed in the chamber 4014 as shown in FIG. 40.

As seen in FIGS. 41 and 43, the lower portion 4052 of the payloadhousing 4004 may comprise a pair of sidewalls 4056 and 4058 extendingparallel to each other along the lower portion 4052. The sidewalls 4056and 4058 may each intersect with a nose portion 4060 of the housing4004. The nose portion 4060 may comprise a forwardly extendingprotrusion 4062 that is configured and dimensioned to be installed intoa proximal end 4015 of the bore 4012 of the insert 4002 (see FIG. 42).

Referring to FIGS. 41 and 43, a first bore 4024 may extend through boththe sidewalls 4016 and 4018 of the insert 4002 and the sidewalls 4056and 4058 of the payload housing 4004. A second bore 4026 may also extendthrough both the sidewalls 4016 and 4018 of the insert 4002 and thesidewalls 4056 and 4058 of the payload housing 4004. The first bore 4024and the second bore 4026 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis4005. The first bore 4024 and the second bore 4026 may be configured andadapted for receiving shear pins 4070 and 4072, respectively. It will beappreciated that although two shear pins 4070 and 4072 are shown, in anembodiment of the present disclosure, only a single shear pin isnecessary. The shear pins 4070 and 4072 may be formed of any suitablematerial, including wood, metal, or plastic.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 41, a proximal end 4074 of the lowerportion 4052 of the payload housing 4004 may be sloped. The slope of theproximal end 4074 may correspond to the slope of the rear wall 4022 ofthe chamber 4014. As previously explained, the slope of the end 4074 ofthe lower portion 4052 of the payload housing 4004 may facilitateejection of the housing 4004 when the insert assembly 4000 is shot intoan animal.

Referring now to FIG. 44, there is depicted an exploded view of thepayload housing 4004. The payload housing 4004 may comprise a payloadcompartment 4080 formed in its interior. A cover 4082 may be utilized toenclose the compartment 4080. The cover 4082 may be secured using afastener such as a screw or the like. The payload compartment 4080 maybe installed with various electronic devices. In an illustrativeembodiment of the present disclosure, the payload compartment 4080 maycomprise a battery 4084 for powering circuitry that can include a GPSreceiver 4086, and a radio transmitter 4088.

The installation of the payload housing 4004 (FIG. 44) into the insert4002 (FIG. 41) will now be described. Typically, prior to inserting thepayload housing 4004 into the insert 4002, the insert 4002 will beinstalled onto the end of the shaft of a hunting arrow. Further, ahunting broadhead may be pre-installed into the bore 4012 of the insert4002. To install the housing 4004, the lower portion 4052 of the payloadhousing 4004 may be inserted through the chamber access window 4030 intothe chamber 4014. The shear pin 4070 is then installed into the firstbore 4024 and the shear pin 4072 is installed into the second bore 4026.It will be appreciated that shear planes for the shear pins 4070 and4072 may be formed between the insert 4002 and the housing 4004. In anillustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, the shear planes maybe parallel to the longitudinal axis 4005 (FIG. 41).

When an arrow having the insert assembly 4000 installed thereon is shotat a target animal, the arrow should penetrate into the animal. Theanimal engagement member 4007 (FIG. 41) may then penetrate into the hideof the target animal causing the payload housing 4004 to decelerate withrespect to the arrow and insert 4002, which continue into the animal.The deceleration of the housing 4004 exerts a force on the shear pins4070 and 4072 which causes the pins 4070 and 4072 to shear along theirrespective shear planes on either side of the housing 4004. The housing4004 is then ejected from the chamber 4014 along the sloped rear surface4022. The housing 4004 remains affixed to the target animal via theanimal engagement member 4007. The GPS receiver 4086 (FIG. 44) inside ofthe housing 4004 may then receive signals from orbiting satellites, orsome other transmitters or such other arrangement for determiningposition, such that the location of the target animal may be determined.The radio transmitter 4088 inside of the housing 4004 may then transmitthe location to a hand held radio receiver, or other human interfacedevice, in possession of the hunter such that the position of the targetanimal is known. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the GPSreceiver 4086 may be omitted such that the target animal may be foundusing radio location techniques.

Referring now to FIG. 45, there is depicted a block diagram 4100 for apayload 4102 that may be installed into the payload compartment 4080formed in the payload housing 4004. The payload 4102 may comprise afirst antenna 4104 for receiving signals from a spaced-based globalpositioning system. The first antenna 4104 may be connected to a GPS RXmodule 4106. The GPS RX module 4106 may determine the position of thepayload housing 4004 based upon signals received at the first antenna4104. The GPS RX module 4106 may be referred to herein as a “GPSreceiver.” The processing module 4108 may be provided with locationinformation from the GPS RX module 4106. The processing module 4108 mayprovide the location information to a radio TX module 4112. The radio TXmodule 4112 may broadcast the location information using a secondantenna 4110. The radio TX module 4112 may be referred to herein as a“radio transmitter.” A power supply 4114 connected to a battery 4116 maysupply the necessary power for the operation of the GPS RX module 4106,the processing module 4108, and the radio TX module 4112.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the GPS RX module 4106, theprocessing module 4108, and the radio TX module 4112 may be mounted on acircuit board (not shown). In an embodiment of the present disclosure,at least one of the first antenna 4104 and the second antenna 4110 maybe mounted on the board.

An on/off switch 4118 may preserve the battery 4116. In particular, theswitch 4118 may turn on, i.e., allow current flow from the battery 4116,only when the payload housing 4004 is separated from the chamber 4014 ofthe insert 4002. The switch 4118 may turn off, i.e., prevent currentflow from the battery 4116, when the payload housing 4004 is installedin the chamber 4014 of the insert 4002. The switch 4118 may take avariety of forms, including a magnetically operated switch or amechanically operated switch.

Referring now to FIG. 44, the payload compartment 4080 may have alength, x, a width, y, and a depth, z. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the length x of the payload compartment 4080 may be betweenabout 3 centimeters and 10 centimeters. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the width y of the payload compartment 4080 may be betweenabout 0.5 centimeters and 1.5 centimeters. In an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the depth z of the payload compartment 4080 may bebetween about 0.5 centimeters and 1.5 centimeters.

Referring now to FIGS. 44 and 45, in an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the GPS RX module 4106, the processing module 4108, theradio TX module 4112, the power supply 4114 and the battery 4116 may bedimensioned to all fit within the payload compartment 4080. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, the GPS RX module 4106, theprocessing module 4108, the radio TX module 4112, the power supply 4114,the battery 4116, and the first antenna 4104 and the second antenna 4110may be dimensioned to all fit within the payload compartment 4080. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first antenna4104 and the second antenna 4110 are external to the payload compartment4080.

Many of the functional units described in this specification have beenlabeled as modules, in order to more particularly emphasize theirimplementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented asa hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays,off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or otherdiscrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmablehardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmablearray logic, programmable logic devices or the like.

Modules may also be implemented in software code, sometimes referred toas computer readable instructions, for execution by various types ofprocessors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance,comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructionsthat may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, orfunction. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module need notbe physically located together, but may comprise disparate instructionsstored in different locations which, when joined logically together,comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.

Indeed, a module of executable code may be a single instruction, or manyinstructions, and may even be distributed over several different codesegments, among different programs, and across several memory devices.Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated hereinwithin modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organizedwithin any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may becollected as a single data set, or may be distributed over differentlocations including over different storage devices, and may exist, atleast partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.

Referring now to FIGS. 46 and 47, there is shown an insert assembly 5000pursuant to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 5000may comprise and extend along a longitudinal axis 5005. The assembly5000 may comprise a compensator 5002. It will be appreciated that thecompensator 5002 may form an extension of an arrow shaft. Thus, thecompensator 5002 may be referred to as an “arrow shaft.”

The compensator 5002 may comprise a main body portion 5006. A shaft 5008may extend rearwardly from the main body portion 5006. The shaft 5008may be configured and dimensioned for joining to a shaft of an arrow. Inan illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft 5008 maythreadably engage the shaft of an arrow (as shown in selected figures).In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft 5008 may besecured to the shaft of an arrow using an adhesive. In an embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the shaft 5008 may be integral with the shaft ofan arrow, being formed as a single unitary piece.

Still referring to FIGS. 46 and 47, extending from a forward portion ofthe main body portion 5006 may be a tapered portion 5010. In anotherembodiment of the present invention, the tapered portion 5010 may extendfrom the main body 5006 with a uniform thickness, without being tapered.A bore 5012 may be formed in the tapered portion 5010. The bore 5012 maybe configured and adapted for receiving a shaft of a broadhead (notshown in FIGS. 46 and 47). In an embodiment of the present disclosure,the bore 5012 may extend along the axis 5005. In an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the bore 5012 may secure a broadhead mechanically,for example, the bore 5012 may comprise a female-threaded portion forengaging a male-threaded end of a broadhead (not shown in FIGS. 46 and47). In an embodiment, a shaft of a broadhead may be secured in the boreusing an adhesive. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a shaftof a broadhead may be integral with tapered portion 5010, being formedas a single unitary piece.

As seen in FIG. 47, the tapered portion 5010 of the compensator 5002,which includes the bore 5012, also includes a thickness T, measured froma wall of the bore 5012 to the outer surface of the tapered portion5010. The thickness T of the tapered portion 5010 may be, for example, 2mm, 5 mm, 10 mm, or range from 1 mm to 12 mm. The length of thecompensator, measured along, axis 5005 (FIG. 46) can also vary accordingto the desired dimensions and performance of the compensator 5002.

In other illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, thecompensator may have a generally cylindrical shape, or have a triangularcross-section, square cross-section, or any other desiredcross-sectional shape. As seen in schematic representation of FIG. 48, acompensator 6000 may have a uniform cylindrical shape with asubstantially uniform thickness TH throughout the length of thecompensator 6000. In this embodiment the compensator can be formed as asleeve, having a bore 6002 which receives a shaft 6004 of an arrow. Thearrow can also include a broadhead 606 at a terminating end. Thecompensator 6000 may also include a female-threaded portion for engaginga male-threaded end of a broadhead 6006. In an embodiment, the shaft6004 of a broadhead 6006 may be secured in the bore 6002 using anadhesive. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shaft 6004 ofthe broadhead 6006 may be integral with the compensator 6000, beingformed as a single unitary piece.

The compensators 5000 or 6000 (FIGS. 47 and 48, respectively) can beused to house animal tracking devices for hunting or other trackingactivities. A key feature of the compensators 5000 and 6000 are theirincreased diameters T and TH, with respect to the arrow shafts 5008 and6004. This increased thickness can be used to “compensate” the increasedweight of the compensator itself and any added weight, by increasing theangle of trajectory of the arrow when shot by a user. The added weightmay included, for example, a radio transmitter, a GPS receiver, ananimal engagement member, a trackers, etc. This function will beexplained in more detail below.

As seen in FIGS. 49a and 49b , a conventional compound bow 7000 (or anyother type of bow, if desired) includes an arrow rest 7002 and a sight7004. Conventionally, a user can nock an arrow and set an end portion ofan arrow on the rest 7002 as the user aims at a desired target. The userwill then peer through the sight 7004, which is calibrated before actualuse, to align the arrow shot with a desired target. The compensators5000 and 6000 have been designed and manufactured such that thethicknesses T and TH of the compensators 5000 and 6000, relative to thecorresponding thickness of a standard arrow shaft, raises and increasesthe trajectory of the arrow when shot from the rest 7002. The thicknessT and TH have also been specifically designed and manufactured tocompensate for the added weight of the compensators 5000 and 6000 andany other integrated product, such as a tracker, such that the samesight 7004 calibration used for a conventional arrow can be used withthe same accuracy with an arrow having a compensator 5000 or 6000.Essentially, and advantageously, the illustrated disclosure allows auser to use a conventional bow 7000 with a standard calibrated sight7004, to shoot both a standard arrow and an arrow with a compensator5000 or 6000, without the need to re-calibrate the sight 7004 tocompensate for any added weight of the compensator 5000 or 6000 with anintegrated product, such as a tracker.

FIG. 50 further illustrates the difference in shooting trajectory 8004with a standard arrow versus the shooting trajectory 9004 of an arrowhaving a compensator 6000. It should be noted that the illustration ofFIG. 50 is schematic, exaggerated to better visualize the differences inshooting trajectory to improve shooting accuracy.

In FIG. 50a , a bow 8000 is shown shooting a standard arrow 8001 at atarget 8002 with a resulting shooting trajectory 8004. It can be seenthat the shallow trajectory 8004 of the arrow enables the arrow 8001 tohit the desired location in the middle of the target 8002. The user aimsthe bow using a sight, which is calibrated for the specific conditionswhich the bow 8000 is using. For example, the diameter and length of thearrow affect the angle with which the arrow 8001 leaves the bow 8000,and therefore affect the trajectory 8004. The arrow 8000 may be of anystandard arrow diameter, from the larger diameters about 10 mm, down tosmaller diameters more suited for hunting, such as about 4 mm to about6.5 mm.

Still referring to FIG. 50a , the length of the arrow is chosen based onthe draw of the bow 8000, and generally varies between approximately 35cm (about 13.5 inches) and approximately 79 cm (about 31.5 inches)Again, the length of arrow and diameter of the shaft determine the angleat which the arrow leaves the bow. The angle combined with the weight ofthe arrow and the force of the bow determine the trajectory 8004 whichthe arrow follows. In FIG. 50b , the same bow 8000 is illustrated,shooting an arrow 8001 having the compensator 6000. The arrow 8001 hasthe same length as the arrow 8001 in FIG. 50a . The arrow, however, mayhave an increased weight due to carrying an additional load, such as ananimal tracking mechanism and/or animal engagement member.

The increased diameter of the compensator 6000 having a thickness THmodifies the arrow trajectory 9004 before hitting the target 9002 at thesame location as the standard arrow with the shooting trajectory shownin FIG. 50a . The thickness TH of compensator 6000 may be from about 1mm to about 12 mm, and in some embodiments is about 2 mm, about 5 mm, orabout 10 mm, with TH being the difference between the diameter of thearrow and the diameter of the arrow with the compensator. TH is chosensuch that the additional thickness TH of the compensator 6000 causes thearrow to leave the bow with a steeper angle to compensate for thegreater weight of the arrow from a load the arrow is carrying, or fromthe compensator itself (which may contain an animal tracking device,animal engagement member, or other load). As such, the arrow hits thetarget at the same location as it would without the additional load andcompensator. As seen in both illustrations, 50 a and 50 b, with theadditional thickness TH of the compensator, a user will use the samesight calibration to hit the same location on the target, despite theincreased weight of the arrow and compensator.

Therefore, the compensators 5000 and 6000 can be used by a user with aheavier arrow without having to re-calibrate the sights 7004 of the bow7000 or 8000, enabling a user to use standard arrows and arrows equippedwith compensators 5000 or 6000, without the need to take the time andenergy to re-calibrate the sights 7004. By bypassing the need tore-calibrate the sights 7004, a user can also save money andopportunity, as many users may not have the skill or equipment toproperly and accurately calibrate the sights of a bow.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, compensators 5000 and6000 can be added to standard length arrows, by the means identifiedabove. Alternatively, compensators 5000 and 6000 can be built integrallywith an arrow. In other embodiments, as discussed above, thecompensators may also be removable, thus enabling a user to modify astandard arrow to add or remove a compensator 5000 or 6000 at anytime,to adapt to a specific or desired situation.

In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features of thedisclosure are grouped together in a single embodiment for the purposeof streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to beinterpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosurerequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, thefollowing claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Descriptionby this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment of the disclosure.

It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are onlyillustrative of the application of the principles of the disclosure.Numerous modifications and alternative arrangements may be devised bythose skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure and the appended claims are intended to cover suchmodifications and arrangements. Thus, while the disclosure has beenshown in the drawings and described above with particularity and detail,it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size,materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly anduse may be made without departing from the principles and concepts setforth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of adjusting the trajectory of theflight of an arrow used for hunting game, said method comprising thesteps of: providing a bow having a sight calibrated for use with thearrow; providing a compensator on a shaft of the arrow, the compensatorhaving a diameter which is larger than a diameter of the shaft of thearrow; nocking the arrow on the bow, the bow having an arrow rest;resting the compensator on the arrow rest; aiming the arrow at a targetusing the sight calibrated for use with the arrow without thecompensator installed; and firing the arrow at the target.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein said compensator comprises a radio transmitter. 3.The method of claim 1, wherein said compensator comprises a GPSreceiver.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said compensator comprisesan animal engagement member.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein saidcompensator includes a bore which receives the threaded shaft of thearrow.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein said compensator is integralwith the arrow, forming a single unitary piece.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein said compensator is removable from the arrow after thecompensator has been provided on the arrow.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein a thickness of the compensator is measured as the difference inthe diameter of the compensator and the diameter of the shaft of thearrow, and wherein the thickness of the compensator is betweenapproximately 1 mm and approximately 12 mm and wherein the thickness ofthe compensator is increased as the weight of the compensator increasesso as to adjust the trajectory of the arrow to compensate for theadditional weight.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a thickness of thecompensator is measured as the difference in the diameter of thecompensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow, and wherein thethickness of the compensator is about 10 mm.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein a thickness of the compensator is measured as the difference inthe diameter of the compensator and the diameter of the shaft of thearrow, and wherein the thickness of the compensator is approximately 5mm.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein a thickness of the compensator ismeasured as the difference in the diameter of the compensator and thediameter of the shaft of the arrow, and wherein the thickness of thecompensator is approximately 5 mm.
 12. A method of adding a compensatorto an arrow to adjust for weight added to the arrow by the installationof a game tracking transmitter, said method comprising: providing thearrow having a standard length shaft, providing the compensator on thearrow, such that the compensator is fixed to the arrow, wherein thecompensator has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the shaftof the arrow; providing a bow having a sight calibrated for use with thearrow without the game tracking transmitter installed; and nocking thearrow on the bow, such that the compensator is placed on an arrow restof the bow.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said game trackingtransmitter is at least partially encompassed by the compensator andcomprises a radio transmitter.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein saidcompensator comprises a GPS receiver.
 15. The method of claim 12,wherein said compensator comprises an animal engagement member.
 16. Themethod of claim 12, wherein said compensator includes a bore whichreceives the threaded shaft of the arrow.
 17. The method of claim 12,wherein said compensator is integral with the arrow, forming a singleunitary piece.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein said compensator isremovable from the arrow after the compensator has been installed on thearrow.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein a thickness of thecompensator is measured as the difference in the diameter of thecompensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow, and wherein thethickness of the compensator is between approximately 1 mm andapproximately 12 mm and wherein the thickness is increased as the weightof the game tracking transmitter is increased.
 20. The method of claim12, wherein a thickness of the compensator is measured as the differencein the diameter of the compensator and the diameter of the shaft of thearrow, and wherein the thickness of the compensator is approximately 10mm.
 21. The method of claim 12, wherein a thickness of the compensatoris measured as the difference in the diameter of the compensator and thediameter of the shaft of the arrow, and wherein the thickness of thecompensator is approximately 5 mm.
 22. The method of claim 12, wherein athickness of the compensator is measured as the difference in thediameter of the compensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow,and wherein the thickness of the compensator is approximately 2 mm. 23.An apparatus for compensating the trajectory of an arrow to compensatefor mass added to the arrow, said apparatus comprising: a compensatorcoupled to a shaft of the arrow, wherein the compensator has diameterthat is larger than a diameter of the shaft of the arrow; and wherein athickness of the compensator is measured as the difference in thediameter of the compensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow,and wherein the thickness of the compensator is configured to enable auser to aim the arrow with a bow that has been sighted for the arrowwithout the compensator.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein saidcompensator comprises a radio transmitter.
 25. The apparatus of claim23, wherein said compensator comprises a GPS receiver.
 26. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein said compensator comprises an animal engagementmember.
 27. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said compensator includesa threaded bore which receives the shaft of the arrow.
 28. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein said compensator is integral with the arrow,forming a single unitary piece.
 29. The apparatus of claim 23, whereinsaid compensator is removable from the arrow after the compensator hasbeen installed on the arrow.
 30. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein athickness of the compensator is measured as the difference in thediameter of the compensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow,and wherein the thickness of the compensator is between about 1 mm andabout 12 mm and the thickness increases as the weight of the compensatorincreases.
 31. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a thickness of thecompensator is measured as the difference in the diameter of thecompensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow, and wherein thethickness of the compensator is approximately 10 mm.
 32. The apparatusof claim 23, wherein a thickness of the compensator is measured as thedifference in the diameter of the compensator and the diameter of theshaft of the arrow, and wherein the thickness of the compensator isapproximately 5 mm.
 33. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein a thicknessof the compensator is measured as the difference in the diameter of thecompensator and the diameter of the shaft of the arrow, and wherein thethickness of the compensator is approximately 2 mm.
 34. An apparatus foradding a payload capacity to an arrow, the arrow having a shaft, saidapparatus comprising: an insert installable on a distal end of the shaftof the arrow, said insert comprising a chamber; a housing; means forremovably securing the housing in the chamber of the insert; and atleast one animal engagement member extending from said housing.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 34, wherein said chamber comprises a chamber wallhaving a bore formed therein, wherein said bore is configured anddimensioned for removably receiving the first shear pin.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 35, wherein said housing comprises a housing wall,wherein said bore extends through the housing wall.
 37. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein the means for removably securing comprises a firstbore formed in the arrow shaft and the housing, wherein said first boreis configured and dimensioned for removably receiving a first shear pin.38. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising a second bore formedin the arrow shaft and the housing, wherein said second bore isconfigured and dimensioned for removablys receiving a second shear pin.39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said arrow shaft comprises alongitudinal axis, wherein said first and second bores are perpendicularto said longitudinal axis of said arrow shaft.
 40. The apparatus ofclaim 34, further comprising at least a second animal engagement memberextending from the housing.
 41. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein saidat least one animal engagement member comprises a hook.
 42. Theapparatus of claim 34, wherein said arrow shaft comprises a longitudinalaxis, wherein the means for removably securing comprises a first shearplane parallel to said longitudinal axis.
 43. The apparatus of claim 42,wherein said first shear pin comprises a second shear plane parallel tosaid longitudinal axis.
 44. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein saidfirst and second shear planes are disposed on opposite sides of thelongitudinal axis.
 45. The apparatus of claim 34, further comprising achamber, wherein said chamber comprises a proximal end and a distal end,wherein said chamber comprises a pair of opposing sidewalls extendingfrom the proximal end to the distal end of the chamber.
 46. Theapparatus of claim 45, wherein said chamber further comprises a slopedsurface at its proximal end, said sloped surface extending between thepair of opposing sidewalls.
 47. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein saidhousing comprises a radio transmitter.
 48. The apparatus of claim 34,wherein said housing comprises a GPS receiver.
 49. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein said housing comprises a battery.
 50. The apparatus ofclaim 34, wherein said housing comprises a radio transmitter.